Is Your Job Keeping You Single?

Is Your Job Keeping You Single?. U.S. government data reveals that up to 44% of the U.S. workforce is single -- and it may be because of work. Here are four reasons why your job might be keeping you single and what to do about it.

1. "I don't have time to date."

Many people who are single say their jobs don't leave them with enough time to meet Mr. or Mrs. Right. You may have made a conscious decision to make career your No. 1 priority. Or it may be that pursuing your dream job is easier than pursuing your dream partner. Whatever the reason, dedicating too much of your time and energy to your career will cause your dating life to flounder.

Solution: Make dating your work. Approach your social life with the same determination and commitment you apply to your career. You wouldn't expect to get ahead at work if you didn't put in the time. Make an investment in your coupled future by setting dating goals, like committing a certain number of hours a week to dating.

2. "My boss knows I'm single and singles me out."

Singles are often expected to work late, travel for business, and take on last minute assignments because they don't have "family commitments." For example, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell stated last year that the choice of Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary was an excellent one because she has "no family and no life" and could devote 19-20 hours a day to the job.

Solution: Value your dating commitments. If your boss asks you to work late, you don't always have to say "yes." Saying that you already have plans is an acceptable excuse. It's great to be able to put in the hours to get ahead at work, but make sure that you're not allowing work to get in the way of your other life goals.

3. "Everyone I know is taken/married/coupled up."

While this may not seem to be a job-related issue, it could be. Statistics show that nearly half of all married couples met at work. So you're at a disadvantage if your work doesn't provide you with opportunities to meet and hang out with other singles.

Solution: Create your own dating pool. Branch out and try different approaches to meeting other singles. Join a local group/club, attend a different restaurant/bar, or join 40 million Americans using online dating and social networking sites to meet available singles.

Going back to school can help you advance your career and give you a chance to interact with like-minded people. Use the free education-decision test to find out if going back to school is the right move for you.

4. "No one wants to date a ..."

Unfortunately, some jobs come with certain stereotypes that can make a prospective date run for the hills. For example, being a lawyer or therapist could make you a dating pariah because nobody's idea of a good date is to argue or be psychoanalyzed!

Solution: Be yourself, not your job. If you have a job with a poor career dating profile, don't reinforce these prejudgments. Be aware of the stereotypes that go along with your job title and avoid discussing work-related topics until you and your date have a better understanding of each other.

Take a free career test to find the perfect job for you: one that matches your interests, values and work personality. Check out LiveCareer's new Free College and University Search to help you sort through thousands of educational opportunities to find the right program for your budget, time, and career goals. ( Yahoo! HotJobs )